We all get a bit disheartened at times. You have taken ages to put together a post, written something you are really proud of but no one reads it, or hardly. Or, that lovely, lovely blogger who writes so many nice things to other people never ever responds to your comments. Or you get struck with a sudden bout of the collywobbles and doubts about your writing and why you're doing this? A favourite blogging friend recently posted about her blogging insecurities and it struck a chord, so I thought I'd share a few ideas to think about on the subject.
1. Why did you start the blog? Chances are that you wanted some creative outlet, be it for expressing yourself through zany outfits, blogging your faith, your crafting makes, writing about your days, If you are using your face, then you are exercising your creative mind which makes you happier!
2. You just never know who is reading that post and how it may have touched them. It is, of course, good blog etiquette to comment on people's posts, but they may not have had a chance/time to comment. But think, hope and believe, that you may have just changed their day: made them smile, inspired to wear something, made them think about something they do. It might not be NOW, but someday, someone may read that particular post and be touched. You've put it out there into the universe and it will remain there to inspire at some point. I use this analogy to think about it: I've often played my flute, sang or taken a choir to sing at Senior Citizen's care homes where the residents may not be able to speak anymore. But you are there speaking them in a language that physical barriers can overcome. I have seen tears on a wordless face. It can affect them though you may see no sign of it at that time.
3. Look at the comments you've received in the past- treasure them. Maybe copy them into a document to see the nice things people have said. Make a positive collage of them,maybe in MS Publisher in bright colours.
4. Go and find a little blog, someone who also may be feeling disheartened at a lack of response. If you feel disheartened, try to find a blog to share some love with. Make them feel good about themselves and be proactive, look for other blogs for new friends! Try hitting the 'Next blog' button for some random new friend! Love breeds love!
5. Why not try and think about different ways of doing what you do. I don't mean to branch out in a way that is not true to you but approach it in a new way. E.g. Are you posting about your cards of craft. Why not plan and draw a design before you begin and then do a before and after and talk about its benefits. Posting about outfits? Try drawing what you think you'd like to wear. Lifestyle or advice blog? Brainstorm and write a list of possible topics you might write about and see if you can get votes for what order to do them in?
6. Join one of the motivational or networking blogging courses. I know there are a few around. This could be e-courses or actual meet-ups. The Grow-your-blog event is currently happening and the lovely Elizabeth at Rosalilium has run Blognix and BEDN/BEDM (Blog every day in November or May)
7. Try, try, try not to compare yourself unfavourably to others. It just serves to make you miserable or lack confidence more. If you find it hard still not to, why not look and see what it is you want that those other bloggers have? More followers? Go and follow some new people and be supportive and lovely. Prettier blog? Learn some html? More diversity? Try something new.
8. Make your settings friendly for visitors. Get rid of word verification and try to use a comment/follow setting that is friendly for all settings and blog types and doesn't make people feel like all their comments can be viewed in one place. I use plain blogger comments, allowing all comments including anonymous and Other. Some blogs only allow Disqus or Google and that forces you to sign up for something you might not want to; I personally don't really want a big stream of all the comments I make up there somewhere (which happens with both of those types of comment settings) where people can read them. I'd also prefer not to have umpteen logins!
9. Think about the fact that perhaps it is JUST a busy time for people, they may be going through other things and they don't intentionally mean to snub you! Go and send some love on someone who may not have posted for ages. I often do this and people always are grateful and often, even though busy, show their gratitude.
10. Be proud of your tenacity in continuing with the blogging. It shows good character and you never know what the next day brings. Be patient and believe in yourself.
Do you have any tips for when you feel the blogging blues?
Linking to Creative Mondays
Brilliant Blog posts with Honest Mum
